This is a running blog of the run-up to (and possibly during) the Texas vs. Texas A&M men's basketball game. Posts are in descending order (i.e. new posts first).
Gameday: (I was unable to get an internet connection today, so this is after the fact) We ended up with probably around fifty tents on the north side of Reed alone for Friday night. I woke up around 6:30, and started tearing down camp around 8. Reed Rowdies were gracious enough to provide free fajitas to those out there, and Vaughn and Katherine brought some Rudy's breakfast burritos. Then came the waiting. Almost 3 hours of waiting in line, then another hour before tipoff. The buzz was building the entire time, and ESPN was on hand to get some crowd shots of the pre-game line. Once we were finally allowed inside Reed, I believe that the entire student section (or at least the lower levels) was full before the public was even let in. The excitement continued all through warmups and the pre-game festivities, creating an atmosphere unlike any other. Finally the game commenced, and it did not disappoint, at least for the Aggie fans. A slow start for both teams, but it seemed right out of the gates that the Aggies were the better, more motivated team this afternoon. The Ags never trailed during the game, and bordered on domination at times. The only sour note on the day was the late game collision of J'Covan Brown and B.J. Holmes, but it seems that both should be okay in the long run. A Reed Arena record crowd of 13,717 were on hand to witness the beat down, which was the third time this season that a new attendance record was set. All in all, it was a great couple of days hanging out with fellow Aggies, capped with a rivalry win. The game lacked much drama, but I think that most couldn't care less. It was a great atmosphere, quickly becoming one of the best in the Big XII, if not the nation, and hopefully we'll keep it up for Senior Night against Oklahoma State and into next year.
Friday, 1:20 PM: After a long day of class (ha), I get back to Reed, where Turgeonopolis has grown to about 35 tents on the north side, and 24 on the south. Less than 24 hours until tip-off. Kansas athletic director Lew Perkins apparently made the comment after his team faced the Aggies that it was the most people he had seen camped out for a basketball game. This guy works at Kansas. Kansas is basketball. Gig 'em.
Friday, 7:00 AM: First roll call of the day, which now applies to me! I now have a ticket for the game, guaranteeing me a spot in Reed for the big game. Apparently it rained last night, but my tent held up fine and I didn't even notice that it did until getting out this morning. The rain can't dampen the Aggie spirit.
Thursday, 5:00 PM: First roll call, although since I don't have a ticket it really doesn't apply to me. There's a lot of discussion about how to make the lines work smoother after the debacle that was the Kansas game. I'm going to the Rec to get some food.
Thursday, 3:24 PM: The first member of my party, Jordan Crabb, arrives. We pass some time throwing the football and frisbee with another guy camping out. Jordan's two man junior tent is the eighth.
Thursday, 2:15 PM: I arrive at Reed Arena, home of the Fightin' Texas Aggie men's basketball team. The tent is subsequently pitched, where I joined five other tents. Two days until game time.
Thursday, 12:45 PM: Head to the Kyle Field box office to pull tickets for the game, only to find out that all of the student tickets have been pulled. This means that I will either have to find a ticket or join the standing room only line. Should have woken up earlier.
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